5 crucial ways to help tackle driver fatigue

Drive fatigue has long been a hugely pervasive issue in the logistics and freight industry, and one that’s consistently challenged fleet managers for decades. Excessive driver fatigue has a number of wide-ranging consequences – not only does it impact the overall efficiency and operational costs of the fleet itself, but even more crucially it also threatens the safety of the drivers, and any other road users around them. Accordingly, tackling driver fatigue can help improve safety, fleet productivity, and give you better peace of mind.

So with all that in mind, here are five crucial ways to help tackle driver fatigue in your fleet.

Ensure proper rest periods

Regulating rest periods is one of the single the most effective ways to manage driver fatigue. There’s plenty of legislative precedent – the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has established regulations that dictate the maximum number of hours a driver can be on duty before taking a rest break. As well as implementing these rules, business owners have a legal duty to make sure they’re actually being enforced, and not simply paid lip service.

This could be a matter of simply calling at certain times to ensure that individual drivers are resting when they should be. If this isn’t practical though (and we recognise that for many fleet managers it won’t be), you can always work with your drivers to work out your own system!

Implement a driver wellness programme

As well as addressing the fatigue itself, it can help to take a wider overview of the issue, and implement a comprehensive driver wellness programme that can address the various factors that contribute to fatigue. This type of programme can include regular health check-ups, stress management workshops, and physical fitness initiatives.

Encouraging drivers to maintain a healthy lifestyle can have a profound impact on their overall well-being and alertness on the road. What’s more, offering resources like counselling services and wellness coaching can help drivers manage personal or work-related stress, which is often a significant contributor to fatigue.

Use technology to monitor driver alertness

Advancements in technology offer numerous tools to monitor and manage driver fatigue, especially in the today’s era of rapidly-expanding artificial intelligence capabilities.

Not every system has to be AI controlled, of course – AI or not, there are plenty of in-vehicle systems that can track driver behaviour and alertness in real-time. For instance, telematics devices can monitor driving patterns such as abrupt braking, lane deviations, and other indicators of drowsiness. Some advanced systems use cameras and sensors to detect signs of fatigue, such as drooping eyelids or head nodding, and can alert drivers or fleet managers immediately. With that in mind, it’s easy to see how technologies can provide an extra layer of safety, and help identify fatigue before it leads to an accident.

“Schedule smart” to reduce fatigue

Another hugely effective way to combat driver fatigue is to create schedules that align with natural sleep patterns. It helps to avoid long shifts as far as is practicable, and ensure drivers have sufficient time off between shifts – all of which can make a surprisingly big difference. Similarly, it can help to implement rotating schedules that allow drivers to gradually adapt to new shifts, rather than abrupt changes, can also help.

Using route planning software can ensure that drivers take the most efficient routes, minimising time on the road and reducing fatigue. Finally, it’s always a good idea to encourage drivers to take short naps if they feel drowsy (whether or not they’re approaching their scheduled break), and providing flexible schedules that accommodate rest – all of which can lead to better overall performance and safety, and give you complete peace of mind.

Speaking of peace of mind – if you have any concerns about the security of your fuel (either at the depot or out on the roads), then that’s exactly where we can help here at TankSafe. Our TankSafe Optimum can be particularly useful for helping to prevent fuel spills – as well as giving you complete protection against fuel theft.  

You can read more about how TankSafe Optimum works, or don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team here at TankSafe if you have any further questions about the best ways to protect your fuel in 2024. Give us a quick call on 01253 400 401, and we'll be happy to help however we can!